Champions Manchester City Edge Arsenal At The Emirates

LONDON, United Kingdom- Arsenal began their campaign under Unai Emery with an unfortunate 2-0 loss at the hands of champions Manchester City FC at the Emirates Stadium.

Raheem Sterling scored the opening goal, a fizzing drive into the corner after he scampered infield to shoot from a central position just outside the box.

And Bernardo Silva made the points safe with a brilliant first-time finish.

City bossed the early stages, spending long periods deep in the Gunner's defensive third.

Riyad Mahrez was inches away from scoring and Petr Cech was forced into a fine double save to deny the new City signing from a free-kick and the follow-up from Aymeric Laporte.

But, despite a few scares, Arsenal stayed in the game. And, with Emery's pressing tactics to the fore, the hosts carved out a few opportunities of their own.

Hector Bellerin’s excellent first touch set up a shot that Ederson pushed away, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired just wide.

Substitute Alex Lacazette made a difference in the second half, and went close within moments of coming on.

But Cech was still busy and had to be at his best to deny Sergio Aguero when he raced through on goal.

It was a temporary reprieve - Silva rattled home from Benjamin Mendy’s cutback to give City some breathing space.

That goal took the wind out of Arsenal's sails and, although the Gunners continued to push forward, City kept Emery's side at arm’s length for the rest of the game.

There are certainly positives to take from this display, but for now Arsenal remain a work in progress.

-Report by www.arsenal.com